The activity supports the development of geometric understanding through the use of two dimensional shapes in cultural and religious symbolism and though their use in architecture, particularly in the use of tiling. Throughout there are opportunities for exploring how symbolic representations are underpinned by ideas and beliefs. Global citizenship competences addressed  appreciate different perspectives […]

This activity is designed to build a learning group where everybody matters and everyone has an equal role to play. It offers an embodied experience of multiples and factors, common multiples, primes and co-primes. Global citizenship competences addressed:  positive interactions with people who are different  take constructive action for social well-being  communication […]

Magic squares have been created and used by many different cultures since ancient times. They have a beauty and symmetry that can give satisfaction to those who enjoy solving puzzles. They can also give important messages about balance and interdependence and have led to applications in various areas of life. (See the section at the […]

The activity explores the history of European colonisation through studying maps and globes. It considers the way in which the earth can be measured – distance, area and so on and addresses how maps as spatial representations can intentionally or otherwise mislead us in our view of the world. Global citizenship competences addressed:  […]

This activity supports a discussion amongst children with teachers about crisis and solidarity in the local setting and how it relates to economic crisis in society. The risk of debt and the consequences for people who borrow money are considered. The children then explore how money can be conceived of in terms of an alternative […]

The students discuss the distribution of land use patterns in different countries and, at the same time, get into the topic of ratios. The climatic and geographical differences in terms of land use are also addressed. They work with data and get to know advantages and disadvantages of simplification and modelling and question the use […]

Use this short resource to gain a snapshot into the lives of children around the world. Learners can use real data, case studies and photographs to develop empathy and investigate the effects of inequality and poverty on children’s opportunities. They can then think critically about inequality and hone their skills with specific curriculum-linked sessions. These […]

Learners will increase their awareness of what tax is, how the money is spent and our shared responsibility for public services. They will start to understand why it is important to pay tax, and through playing a simulation game, discuss and draw their own conclusions about whether everyone pays their fair share of tax. They will conclude by reflecting on how things might be made fairer.

Set in rural Zimbabwe, where few villages have access to mains electricity, pupils investigate how to make different circuits which include solar cells. They then look at the requirements of the community and decide how to allocate the cells. All teaching materials are available to download for free from Practical Action Take your design briefs […]

We are living in a world where we are bombarded by signs, pop-ups and adverts trying to sell us something. Convincing us that our wants are actually our needs and that our life will be better with the newest technology, latest fashion pieces, organic facial crea ms, money-making training, and the list goes on. Being […]